"Punching" for largemouths

[BigFishChris]

Over the past year or so I've been hearing a lot of talk about "punching" the grass for bass. 1 oz weight would be an idea start? Does anyone use 1.5 oz for this? What's the basic bait most of you'll are using? Thanks for any info. 

 

Chris

[ethan-333]

i like a slim profile bait like a craw that slides through the grass easy

sometimes adding a slip skirt below the weight

[JJMcCray]

i just got into punching this year for bass. i like to have to set ups. one with 1.5 oz weight and another one with a 3/4 to 1 oz waits depending on how thick the mats are. ive most been using the 1.5 oz and have had great success with it so far. i would say start out with a 1.5 oz. i use baits the can ease through the mats easily such as a crawfish style bait

[j bab]

Yes I've used 1.5 oz before. Use whatever gets you through the mat. I've heard of people using up to 2.5 oz!

For baits I like a rage craw, menace, game hawg, sweet beaver, or whatever other craw type bait you have. 

[BigFishChris]

Thanks for the help. I forgot to ask about line, what are you'll using and what lb test? 

[Bluebasser86]

Our vegetation isn't as thick here, mainly water willows. I use a 1/2oz for almost all of it, usually with a 4/0 Hack Attack Heavy Cover hook and 50-65lb braid. Right now I'm using Seaguar Flipping Braid in 65lb. I really like the thin diameter of the line and the fact that it's black so I don't have to color it. 

[Bankbeater]

I use 3/4 and 1 ounce weights.  I usually use 50lb braid on a 6'6" heavy rod.

[Catt]

6 hours ago, BigFishChris said:

Over the past year or so I've been hearing a lot of talk about "punching" the grass for bass. 1 oz weight would be an idea start? Does anyone use 1.5 oz for this? What's the basic bait most of you'll are using? Thanks for any info. 

 

Chris

I see you're from Lake Charles, so am I

To properly answer you questions it depends on where & when.

I'm fishing Lacassine a lot this year, the water is up, & the grass is just now getting thick.

I've been flipping, pitching, & punching with lighter baits. Last Friday I was flipping & pitching a 1/8 oz & a Zoom Speed Worm on 15# mono in canals.

Why so light?

Cause the bite was right on the bank!

The week before it was 1/2 oz jigs!

My point is read the vegetation & adjust your technique to match.

[Master Bait'r]

My favorite punching setup is probably a half ounce Mendota rig and the big Savage craws

 

On the lighter side, a Neko rigged Slug-Go SS is also a certified killer too.  

[bigbassin']

8 hours ago, BigFishChris said:

1 oz weight would be an idea start? Does anyone use 1.5 oz for this? What's the basic bait most of you'll are using?

Depending on the cover you could go as low as 3/4 ounce, I personally use a 2 ounce pretty often in thick stuff, and I know people that'll go up to a 2.5. Your favorite craw/creature bait is a pretty standard bait selection, however I've seen people punch worms, paddletail swimbaits, grubs, etc.

[boostr]

Same up here, don't really get thick mats. I use between a 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz weight with a VMC Flippn' hook, and either a Rage Bug or A Pit Boss.

[zeth]

I have used up to 2oz weights.. Depends on the cover. as far as baits it can vary but I will often use a Fake Fish. If not the fake fish I will punch with Fat Impacts or Crazy Flappers. 

[Airman4754]

Have between 3/4 and 1.5 and let the cover tell you what it wants. For simplicity anything made by Gambler is a good punch bait. 

[lakeannaangler]

I only use 3/8 or 1/2 weights. For baits rage menace, pit boss, cut-r worm, ragecraw , rodent

[bayouXpress]

i like to use the lightest weight that will get through it.  So it could be different every time out.  

[crypt]

8 foot MHX flipping blank,micro guides,65 lb. braid,4/0-5/0 jungle flipping hook,gambler Why Not. 1-1/2 oz-2 oz. depends on how thick the mat is.

[Catt]

@BigFishChris you've gotten everything from 3/8-2.5!

Read the vegetation!

[Oklahoma Mike]

Use the lightest weight you can get away with - whatever will punch through the vegetation you're fishing. 

65lb braid (min) on a rig with enough backbone to hoist them out of the muck. 

D-Bombs, Rage Structure Bug, Pit Boss are my favorite baits, but I'll try just about anything that I can get through there. 

[BigFishChris]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll have to get some big tungsten punching weights and get after it. 

[frogflogger]

I prefer tube type shapes as craws and paddles can slow or prohibit punching through some of the densest stuff.

[Catt]

@BigFishChris 

[Mike L]

Don't forget a punch skirt! Sometimes that'll be the only thing missing. 

 

Mike 

[RyneB]

As said above, go with the lightest weight possible. I usually start with 1 Oz and then go from there. As far as baits go. My favorite is a gambler BB Cricket, I can get that through easier than other baits an it flat out catches them. Other baits I usually add a punch skirt include a D Bomb, Gambler Why Not, rage menace, and rage structure bug, sweet beaver and SK rodent. I usually always start with a punch skirt on one setup with one of those baits, and another setup with just a gambler BB cricket. Then I let the fish tell me what they prefer.

[Catt]

[SwampLife]

In from Louisiana as well Depends how thick the mats are.. I hAve two punching set ups one heavy and one the extra heavy.... I usually go with a 1.25 weight but but some times in the summer I have to go to a 1.5 weight..always 65lb power pro with a 4 or 5/0 hack attack heavy flipping hook with a sweet beaver or a d bomb as my punch bait... On my heavy rod i do basically the same but have a 3/4 ounce weight on it that's for the not so thick stuff.. I go as light as I can,  I'm punching Mats in very shallow water..  And like Catt,    if I'm flipping cypress trees and lay downs in using a medium heavy rod with 15lb to 20lb  test with a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce weight... If  I can't make up my mind She gets a 3/16 ha